The world of travel to all of our outstanding destinations
Tour France: Fall in Burgundy, Paris & Provence
Tour France: Beautiful Regions in FRANCEFall in Burgundy, Paris and ProvenceFall is beautiful in every region in France. We visit 3 regions in France during the fall. It's hard for me to decide which is the most beautiful region of France. Look at our photos below and you can decide!We are in Paris, bien sur. And Paris in the fall is lovely and buzzing with activity. Here are some favorites from Paris. (Think about visiting over the holidays with us.)
We visit Burgundy. This year's trip is going to be extraordinary. It's a mix of return and new clients --all food and wine lovers! (We are very very happy about that). The vines are being harvested. And the weather is crisp and cool --perfect for traditional Burgundy fare! (Look for next year's trip --this one is full.)Our favorite winemaker --charly is the BEST and his private tastings with us are spellbinding! Really!
Some of the little, lesser known places where the owners proudly share their wine making knowledge
Well --this one is self explanatory!
Burgundy architecture
One of our tastings --can't wait for this year's. Camille, the sommelier who will choose the special vintages, has set up a private "chapel" for us to taste and also a private lunch for after. I love this trip!
Provence...What can we say? Provence is pure Bliss! Especially if you tour Provence the way we do --small groups. No commercial destinations. Off the beaten track sites AND insider experiences. Our summer was full of those and our October trip will be as well (plus we have Chateauneuf du Pape on the radar for October). ONE room left on this trip.If Burgundy is where our thirst is, Provence is where our heart is!Nothing sings like the Luberon --it just gets into your heart.
Of course, the tough choice is always between sea and countryside. Impossible choices :)
Yes, this is a real chateau. Yes, it's in Provence!! And yes, they make Chateauneuf du Pape wines here! We walk through the vines after. Here's the view in October. The colors were changing and the light was soft.
Beauty everywhere.
Wow --our mountain top picnic spot!
If you'd like to join us on one of our personalized, small group trips to Provence, we have one room left in October (max 11 guests and 2 leaders, along with private sightseeing, chefs and driver) And 3 rooms left in May 2013. CONTACT us now before these also sell out.wendy@blisstravels.com 609 462 6213
Tour France: Gourmet Travel & Provence Picnics
Tour France: Gourmet Travel and Provencal PicnicsWarning: Drooling likely. Have snack handy.Anyone who's going to France is aware of the reputation France has for outstanding cuisine. The produce, the cheeses, breads, desserts, even meats are world renown. One of the single best ways to experience what France (and more specifically) Provence has to offer is to make and/or join in for a real picnic. Here are some photos of our absolute favorite picnic lunches. Some are self made. Some are offered by tiny out of the way auberges, and some are custom from our chefs. Try not to drool on your screen as you scroll through these mouthwatering treats.
Roast pork (from the farm) with rosemary potatoes, and house made goat's cheeses
Wines, proscuitto, peppers, zucchini all made up the meal as we sat at this gorgeous mountain top locale.
Prepping for our own picnics in a local kitchen
If you'd like to experience one --or more-- of these culinary fantasies, contact us now. We have ONE room left on our October Fall Foliage trip to Provence (and Chateauneuf du Pape) and we are booking rooms for next May in Provence!Contact us now. Wendy@blisstravels.com
October in Provence and Chateauneuf du Pape
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Join us on this one of a kind trip to the wine region of Châteauneuf du Pape. We'll explore delicious wines, dine in wonderful authentic locales, visit beautiful villages and take amazing photos
Our low-key approach is like having a friend with special expertise traveling with you as you explore these spellbinding destinations. As a small group, you will have personalized attention and the level and type of activity that you prefer. No prerequisites to join this trip! Your desire to see and do things that most tourists never get to experience is all you need! Whether you are a novice or expert --photographer or wine lover -- this trip is something special. (Don't believe us, look at our 
Just sit back and enjoy the ride. We'll help you navigate the beautiful landscape and ensure that you will see and experience things that only an insider could see and do.
For more information and a full itinerary, please visit our website at 
Bliss Travels | 3 Hemlock Court | Princeton | NJ | 08540
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Tour France: Culinary Bliss
Tour France: Culinary Bliss!Our trip highlights always include culinary adventures. This trip is no exception. A spectacular tasting menu, a private luncheon, even a special cafe...whether formal or casual, it's truly Bliss!Foie Gras...compote....what more can we say?
Marscapone ravioli with parmesan foam make the perfect accompaniment --
Tomatoes and an incredible fresh ceviche in an almond milk...
squab, cherries, and rhubarb....
A nice finish to the day!
Tour Provence: Lavender in Provence
Tour Provence: Lavender Season
What's your favorite color? Well, in summer, my favorite color is lavender. And, right now, it's in full bloom...From the hills of the Luberon to the valleys, the color lavender is everywhere. It's Bliss!
Contemplating photos....
Tour Provence: Vacation in Provence in a Day!
Tour Provence: Vacation in Provence in a Day!
From the ancient ruins you can freely climb through --to photography, to hiking, to pondering n'importe quoi... or just to put out a blanket and enjoy the view...
To the village panoramas...
To the life within...
Why not open the door on a new adventure. It's Bliss!
But first, read what others have to say...Don't take our word for it.
After you are through, book our last room. Watch the lavender flower, and experience the fragrance when a field is cut...It permeates the air for a quarter mile around it!
July 17-22 Provence (possible early arrival for Paris too!)
or
July 28-August 4 (Mediterranean and Paris) This trip is not advertised. It's a small private trip. contact us for details wendy@blisstravels.com
Tour France: Mediterranean Vacations in a Day!
OTour France: Mediterranean Vacations in a Day!On commence avec le déjeuner, biensur.Start with lunch. Views, sunshine, and a collection of colors.
Lavender, newly planted by a friend to "garnish" the best table in the house! Thank you Florian and Eric for another unforgettable experience--one a group of us will experience in late July and early August.(Join us in our last room of a small group --10 people --July 28-August 4 along the Mediterranean and in Paris. This trip was not advertised, and there is one room. Contact us for details asap. 609 462 6213 or wendy@blisstravels.c0m)
Of course, after lunch the Mediterranean beckons. It is pure Bliss!
Interested in our last room in July? Details below.(July 17/18-23 Provence/ParisA small group all inclusive trip to one of Provence’s most beautiful areas, with exclusive access to private activities and events. Provencal markets, lavender, Roman ruins, Cote du Rhone wines, special dining, Medieval villages, art, castle, hikes… and plenty of independent time. ONE ROOM.
Tour France: A Mediterranean Adventure
Tour France: A Mediterranean Adventure. It's BlissSummer vacations involve the beach, for sure. But, what many people don't know is that there are stunning beaches, with world class views, and great dining --on the Mediterranean, that don't break the bank --and still make you feel like you're in a fairy tale land (which you are).Hope you enjoy these photos --as we continue to Tour France.
The view from here:
looks like this:
And this...as you watch the boats go by. This is a little sailing school. Too Cute!
look carefully --there's a castle at the mid point of the cliffs (top of the lower cliff). Staying there is quite an experience.
One room left in mid July and one in August. Contact us toute de suite to book.
wendy@blisstravels.com 609 462 6213.
Tour France: Provencal Perspective
Tour France: Provencal Perspective.Perspective is an interesting thing. Sometimes it refers to your relationship with people, sometimes time, and sometimes the physical environment...In Provence I usually see all three things at once. And that's a good day!Here we are at a typical Provencal lunch. Sure it takes 3 hours...But, it's not like "Thanksgiving dinner". We are not all just dying to lay down on the couch to lessen the "pain" of overeating. Rather, it's a relaxing and integral, yet energizing, part of the day
There's your perspective AFTER the meal...what do you do? Here's one idea...Though it's certainly not the only good idea, it is one that we find Bliss-ful!
(sorry it's sideways-- that's Emmy taking the road less traveled to the top of the cliffs...)Then there's physical perspective --in view and in deed...indeed!
To give you some perspective of the size of these cliffs, the above shot was taken from the cliff it faces --at a distance. The bottom two show CLIMBERS on the facing cliff. You must look quite hard --they are the "ant" like things on the rock face!
In this shot, the crevice in the rock is actually big enough to camp on --see the people walking inside of it?
All of this seems to put life in a better perspective. Bliss is not a "holiday" event or a gift. It should be a regular feature in your life. Call us when you are ready!609 462 6213 or wendy@blisstravels.com. 2 rooms in August and October are available. 1 room in July. June and September are full.
Tour France: Experience Provence...like a local
Tour France: Experience Provence...like a local (menu suggestions below)
Wondering down the village road
to visit the local market --set up from the town parking area through the main square, and on several little streets. Not the biggest area market --but a very authentic and less touristy one.
Taking our picnic items to a nearby olive grove where we walk along and see the first lavender blooms.
peeking in corners at gardens
Paints quite a nice picture of the day --we think it's Bliss
Tour France: The Best Vacation in Provence!
Tour France: Provence in Cherry Season...The best vacation in Provence
Life may not be a "bowl of cherries" but you sure can pick your own treats....Fast food Provence style --pick your own dessert on the way home from dinner!These cherry trees are so full of cherries that the bows are bent nearly to the ground. This little orchard is off of a Roman road, a few steps from the center of a Medieval village we like to call "home".
On our way back, the view was panoramic.
Today's adventure begins with market day.Contact us to know more about our last room in July (NEW dates: Arrive between July 13 and 16 for Bastille Day in Provence or Paris, and then spend July 18-22 in the Luberon) and our trip in October!
Tour France: Best Summer Festivals in Provence (with schedule)
Tour France: Best Summer Festivals in Provence and Festival Schedule.Schedule:Cherry Festivals in mid and late JuneMelon Festival in JulyLavender festivals in late July and AugustBastille Day --July 14Tour de France --July 14 in ProvenceWine and art festivals...July etc.Fete Votives: late June, July and August.Summer is festival season. Provence is full of a huge variety of festivals.There are themed festivals. There is a honey festival, several wine festivals, art festivals, a melon festival, a cherry festival...and pretty much a celebration of any food product you can think of. Below are some photos of past festivals.
Being inducted into the "royal order of the melon". Really.
A special melon dish. Lobster or prawns are baked in this one of a kind "plat". We have been privileged to do this with the chef several times.
The meal following the festival celebrating the town's release from the dragon.
Walking around the Lavender festival last August.
There are "fetes votives" in each village. Those include things like dancing in the town square to live music, Champagne "stands", carnival games and perhaps even a special market. I love these local festivals. They bring such romance to a Provencal night.
The cafes take advantage of the closed roads to set up table everywhere. 
Bands play on the side walk --trumpets and all!
Evening fireworks over a Mediterranean village.There is Bastille Day. This brings a weekend full of festivities. In Paris, it is dominated by parades andfireworks over the Eiffel Tower. In Provence, it is marked by celebratory town wide meals (Pistous and Aiolis), dancing and fireworks in the town centers and huge, luscious markets full of tantalizing treats and products.
Tour France: Summer Colors Provence & Mediterranean
Tour France: Summer Colors
Provence and the Mediterranean. It's the most colorful, tasty time of year. Vibrant is the word that best expresses the summer. Long, languid, yet energizing. Enjoy the photos below. Taking them was Bliss!
Dancing in the streets...for every holiday, summer festival and so fun to do and watch!
Clear blue, peaceful...
A favorite place to promenade and watch the street performers.
dining on the mussels, beachfront on the island
a bientôt! Hope to see you this summer. Contact us for more information
Tour France: Paris & Provence Showers and Flowers
Tour France: Paris and Provence: Showers and Flowers
Painted on a wall in the Marais...early spring themes!
X marks the spot of our favorite peaceful Parisian landmark.
Outside the Tuileries and in Provence --blooms!
Capturing iris's at the farm.
Spring gives way to summer.
And a little summer picnic to end the post!
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Tour France: Paris & Provence Architecture and Structure
Tour France: Paris & Provence -Architecture and Structures.We love these shots.City Hall is dotted with sculptures, several by Rodin -- and surrounded by fountains in summer and an ice run in winter.
Along the Seine. A great place for a picnic or to read. This turns into the Paris Plage in summer!
In Provence:
The new church in our village.
Where the bridges and buildings offset the blue of the sky.
Sunshine and blue skies, and...Bliss
Tour France: How to Have The Best Sunday Ever in Provence
Tour France: How to Have The Best Sunday Ever in Provence!There are few things better than a Sunday in Provence. In fact, even if you do nothing special, it's a pretty great day. However, the photos below are what we consider pure Bliss. This is the best Sunday EVER! (And after you've read this, if you disagree, I truly would love to know what you do in Provence that is BETTER!!)To start, we go to our absolute favorite place for a traditional 4 course Sunday lunch. Nestled in the cliffs...
It's a stunning but very casual place. When we talk about authentic dining, gourmet but not fussy, this is what we mean.
The appetizer platter comes out for people to share. Provencal treats like Anchoiade, tapenade, moules or wild mushrooms...
Followed by one of the traditional main courses --this is 'yours truly' filleting everyone's fresh stream trout! Of course, daube and lamb etc are also choices.
The Provencal tomatoes and purely delicious creamy potatoes are served as accompaniment.
After is the cheese course. Banon is local to the area. It really can't be found anywhere outside of the region --not the real stuff properly ripened.
Then come desserts...
Then the traditional Sunday hike. When we say the road less traveled and "off the beaten path", we mean it!
Up to the ruins for a quick "look". Though some people chose to relax in the shade instead of making the climb.
Capturing the view.
If you can!
And then back "home" for the evening. 
If you can top this day of pure Bliss, I'd sure like to know how! If you'd like to do this with us some day, contact us! We'd love to share this wonderful experience with you sometime this summer. We will be there in July and August!A Bientôt,Wendy
Tour France: A Typical Day in Provence with Bliss Travels
Tour France: A typical day in Provence with Bliss Travels.For the photographers, there was an early morning shoot. The rest of us had a leisurely breakfast or even slept in. 
We all met in the garden, and then drove to see the poppy fields, where Anthony helped people capture the beauty.
After our shoot, we visited a local village and friends we adore.
For lunch we shared specially prepared warm goat cheese salads or soup au pistou and then had an omelette made with farm fresh asparagus (thank you Lionel --our favorite chef in the village --who always has local eggs and something special for my perennial omelette!)
After lunch there was sightseeing, walking, gallery hopping and, yes, more photography --yours truly even modeled --and learned there is a "walk", a "look", and, of course, not to smile too much!! For our next photography trips, there will be an option to do portraiture and we will use models.
But, ever the guide, I continued to give clear direction to all who asked!
We finished the evening with a wine tasting and meal in a private cellar --candle lit, with a menu to order. Pas Mal!
In case you were wondering --the blue in the sky is not touched up. That truly is the color!
We hope to share this and more with you on our next trips. July and August festivals are just around the corner, as is our fall photography, foliage and Chateauneuf du Pape trip! Contact us now! Wendy@blisstravels.com
Tour France: The Best Time to Visit Provence is "in Bloom"
Tour France: Visit Provence in Bloom.Spring time provides wonderful and very different sites.
The first "lavender" colored bloom of the season!
In every direction the sights are green and blossoming.
I just can't get enough of the poppies!
And, of course, every day must have a castle in it somewhere!
Join us! It's Bliss! Contact us with any questions.
Tour France: A Day in Provence
Tour France: Bliss Travels to Authentic Provence. Spectacular views caught by Anthony Bianciella, our talented traveling photographer. One thing that makes us feel "Blissful" is finding beautiful, less populated villages to explore. We build the day around a walk, hike, panorama and, of course, our traditional Provencal lunch. For us, that's why Bliss Travels! The only thing better than springtime in Provence is July in Provence. This is the ultimate "room with a view"!!
Some of the smaller villages still use different modes of transportation 
Emmy meets a new friend!
Village roads, old and "new" 
A walk, followed by lunch --in a tiny restaurant we found off a little alley and side street. Now, it's an annual favorite. Look at yesterday's set menu below 
Menu of: Burgundian like soft poached egg in red wine and mushroom, fish with saffron, fresh pasta and market veggies, Brie de Meaux and salad, along with dessert, bien sur
We sincerely hope you can join us on our next authentic, and off the beaten track adventure! It's Bliss! Please contact us when you are ready for a new sort of travel experience.
Tour France: Vacations in Provence with Bliss Travels
Tour France: Vacations in Provence with Bliss Travels:Some shots from our current trip -- A professional makes all the difference! Whether it's knowing what and how to shoot -- or where to find the authentic places and uncommon sights.
One of the paths that lead to an old Roman road...
Poppies under a 2000 year old bridge
Morning light!